Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Antonio Conte admits surprise with this aspect of Chelsea's season
ANTONIO CONTE admits he is surprised by Chelsea's lead in the Premier League after just six months in charge of the club.
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea - Premier League Match Preview
Chelsea could head into the Christmas break as much as eight points clear of their title challengers if results go their way this weekend.
The Blues finished 10th last season and sacked their manager Jose Mourinho midway through the campaign following a disastrous defence of their title.
There was a difficult moment when we lost two games against Liverpool and Arsenal
Conte has changed the system at Chelsea, switching to three at the back, and was allowed to spend over £120million on new players in the summer.
And he concedes his side only began to tick following losses to Liverpool and Arsenal in September.
"I think this is a great surprise because when you arrive after 10th place last season - and a change of manager - and bring a new idea of football it's not easy," Conte said.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is surprised by their great start to the season
Conte's first loss of the season was away at Liverpool
Chelsea then lost to Arsene Wenger's Arsenal but have remained unbeaten in the league since
"You need time to work and improve. In our path there was a difficult moment when we lost two games against Liverpool and Arsenal.
"And then we started to work and to find the right way for us.
"I like to repeat there are three games to finish the first part of the season, then 19 games to finish the season."
Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?